I first met Johnson almost exactly a year ago – I can still remember how excited his owner was to adopt him, and Sean and I headed over to meet this friendly golden retriever and welcome him to the GoDogz pack. Johnson came from Taiwan through the NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue. I don’t know what his life was like before he came to Santa Cruz, but every day we saw him he seemed filled with a quiet contentment, and was obviously so grateful for his new family’s love and care, and for his new lease on life right next to the ocean.

Johnson loving Lighthouse Field

Johnson was a GoDog in spirit through and through – he loved his walks, and would almost always be waiting right there by the door for us. Some days it was hard to even open the door because he’d be so close to the other side, waiting, excited to head out.

Johnson especially loved walking through Lighthouse Field. His favorite? Checking out the tall grass. He really enjoyed all the interesting smells collected in there, and every walk would make a beeline over to a patch to sniff it out thoroughly before moving on with the rest of his walk. He also enjoyed the smells of the ocean, and would lift his head up, taking in the breeze.

The westside crew

While Johnson wasn’t the kind of dog to go bounding off towards other dogs, he was a social pup who liked everyone, dog and person alike, and soon developed a close friendship with a couple other GoDogz. His best pals were Tripp and Buddy, and together, the three of them were dubbed “the westside crew.”

Aww, puppy love

Tripp particularly loved Johnson and would often walk right next to him. Johnson, for his part, was always especially excited when he could hear his friends barking down below – those days he’d practically bound down the stairs, happy to see his buddies and walk along the ocean with them.

Back at the house, sometimes Johnson would enjoy playing a bit of tug-of-war. He was always very gentle about it, a perfect gentleman in every way.

Waiting for Jesse

On days when we were there for dinner, we got to see Johnson’s other great joy – he was so excited for every meal, and would even jump around like a puppy until his food was in front of him.

After eating he’d drink his water, settle down, and relax for the afternoon, waiting for his person to come home to him.

Unfortunately Johnson passed away yesterday – he got to be with the people he loved most at the end, and I know he had no regrets. Johnson was deeply loved by all – during our time with him, he enjoyed walks with the whole GoDogz team, and every walk was a joy because of how happy Johnson always was.

Johnson and Ryder, both so happy on westcliff

Even as his health started to decline near the end, he was always so glad to be heading outside, to enjoy the sunshine and the breeze, and to sniff his tall grasses. We will all miss him very much, and we’re all grateful that we got to share his life this past year.

Rest in peace, Johnson. Wherever you are, I hope there are ocean breezes and tall grasses and plenty of friends for you to walk with.